Obligated
Navigating Constraints: Pretty Shanks' Reflective Anthem, 'Obligated'
Lyrics
Beaten down again
Expressing a feeling of being defeated or overwhelmed once again.
Though I would prefer not
Indicating a preference to avoid the current situation or circumstance.
The options that are present
Referring to the limited and undesirable choices available.
Leave much to be desired
Suggesting dissatisfaction with the available options.
Still I have to take
Acknowledging the necessity to accept and deal with the constraints.
What comes with these constraints
Emphasizing the need to face the consequences that come with limitations.
It's better to comply than to dwell about it
Stating that compliance is preferable to dwelling on the situation.
After all there must be consequence
Highlighting the inevitability of consequences for actions.
Every action that you take
Stressing the importance of mindful decision-making.
Must be made with consciousness
Encouraging conscious thought and consideration in every action.
It's so easy to just say
Pointing out the ease of shifting blame to others.
That it's you who's not to blame
Challenging the notion that the speaker is not at fault.
But really who else would it be
Raising the question of accountability for one's actions.
Every time I think I couldn't possibly do wrong
Admitting a tendency to self-reflect when feeling wrong.
I go out of my way just to check myself
Acknowledging a proactive effort to assess personal actions.
And I know that I don't
Admitting an inability to catch every mistake made.
Always catch every mistake
Reflecting on the realization that control is not absolute.
So much for thinking that I had control
Expressing disappointment in the illusion of having control.
It's up to you now
Passing responsibility to the listener, emphasizing self-obligation.
To yourself you are obliged
Stating a personal obligation to oneself and one's choices.
The choice is your's to make
Asserting that the listener has the power to make choices.
It always has been
Affirming that the power of choice has always been with the listener.
Why do you look so surprised
Questioning the listener's surprise about their current situation.
You have no room to talk when
Indicating a lack of authority to criticize when facing similar challenges.
There's been so many
Pointing out missed opportunities or chances for improvement.
Opportunities
Emphasizing the speaker's observation of numerous opportunities.
But you just sat idly by
Highlighting a passive attitude in the face of opportunities.
Thinking that there will always be a next time
Commenting on the belief in the availability of future opportunities.
Excuse after excuse
Pointing out a pattern of providing excuses to justify inaction.
Justifying
Exploring the act of rationalizing and defending one's actions.
Why I'm unable
Expressing frustration at the inability to progress.
To advance
Stating the emotional toll of feeling stuck or stagnant.
It's so draining
Describing the emotional exhaustion of self-admission.
Admitting to yourself
Acknowledging the difficulty of accepting ineffective actions.
That what you're doing
Recognizing the realization that current efforts are not successful.
Isn't working
Admitting the struggle with acknowledging personal shortcomings.
As much as it pains me
Expressing emotional difficulty in confronting personal responsibility.
I can't keep erasing
Conveying the challenge of avoiding accountability.
I can't keep evading
Emphasizing the difficulty of avoiding self-evaluation.
The fact that it's on me to adjust
Recognizing the personal responsibility to adapt and change.
If not now then when
Prompting the listener to act before regrets accumulate.
Before any regrets
Stressing the urgency of taking action to prevent future regrets.
So I'll take my time
Acknowledging the need for patience and deliberate action.
Just not any longer
Expressing a commitment to change without unnecessary delay.
Just not any longer
Reiterating the commitment to immediate, not prolonged, action.
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